” AMstell manages to make even the most lurid namedropping feel excruciatingly relatable.”
****
Having followed Simon Amstell beyond his edgy beginnings on Popworld and Buzzcocks, I’ve become accustomed to his tender, vulnerable style of trembling and honest comedy. Each iteration of modern Amstell presents a new chapter of self exploration, a new revelation he’s finally ready to share. And although this production may present as yet another exercise in self indulgence, I Love It Here manages to make even the most lurid namedropping feel excruciatingly relatable.
Taking place at a star-studded LA party, Amstell (As an honoured plus-one) manages to articulate a friction that exists in many of us: the desperate want to be known, seen, famous, celebrated, rubbing shoulders with A-list celebrities, against the all-consuming fear that comes with the actual reality of all of these things combined with a healthy dose of self-doubt. Withering references to us plebs in the audience in contrast to his glamourous life of fame and fortune land as they are intended, as a transparent attempt to veil to his own shortcomings.
With signature self-flagellation we are brought into Amstell’s crippling cringe at not recognising Beyonce’s mother, among other A-list induced gaffes. His ability to pepper even the most excruciating anecdote with hilarity never wanes, balancing everything with a level of self-awareness that has been honed over decades of therapy and psychedelics.
Eventually we come to what has again been somewhat of a theme for Amstell. Rather than being the cause of an eye-roll, the return of his propensity for obsessive and unrequited love allows for a re-analysis of an old pattern in a new light. Its hard to tire of old ways when you can see someone actively working on their stuff in such an entertaining way.
Simon Amstell is, for the most part, happy. Yes, old habits die hard. And yes, the universe will continue to construct new and increasingly humiliating ways to humble him in his desperate persuit for fame and acceptance. But I Love It Here presents a new way of navigating the hurdles, with a perspective and humour that has served him well enough so far.
Simon Amstell: I Love It Here ****
McEwan Hall at Underbelly, Bristo Square
Simon Amstell: I Love It Here ****
Published on
Edinburgh Fringe 2026 
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